MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Matchy-Matchy is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is very or excessively colour coordinated. It is a term that is commonly used in fashion blogs to describe an outfit that is too coordinated and consists of too many of the same types of colors, patterns, fabrics, accessories, etc. “Matchy-matchy” was added to the Oxford Dictionary of English in 2010 along with 200 new words that were previously considered as slang. – Wikipedia

In the case below, wearing two pieces of the same bright color in one outfit works because the skirt and the shoes are so close to each other that it almost seems like they belong together.

The matching is not too obvious.

Whereas in the outfit below, the matching is too much.

In this case if the shoes, belt and bag were not a bright color (ie perhaps navy or tan) it could work – but in this case, it’s too matchy/matchy.   You notice the accessories more than the overall outfit.

Back in the 50’s or 60’s an outfit similar to what Queen Elizabeth is wearing (above), where you matched your bag with your shoes and gloves, may have been very stylish, but just remember, we’re now in 2019 and you don’t need to match everything in your outfit to be well dressed.

In fact, being too coordinated and matchy, can age (and perhaps out-date) your look.

That said…who knows….. just like all fashion trends, matching your shoes with you bag just might come back in to fashion one day.

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Are your dowdy skirts and ill-fitting jackets making you look older than you are and frumpier than you want to be? (Nobody wants to look frumpy, right?)

Next time you try on a skirt and/or a jacket take a close look in the mirror..

Is the skirt length flattering your legs?

Is it sitting at the right place on your waist?

Is there too much fabric?

Is the jacket the right length for you?

Do the shoulders and armholes fit properly?

Is there too much material in the sleeves?

Is the style still current? (Or outdated?)

As you can see in the images above, a few tweaks (and perhaps a little bit of photo-shopping in one) to what you’re wearing and how you’re wearing it can make a whole lot of difference.

If you’re not sure about some of the clothes in your wardrobe and would like help determining whether something should stay or go or be reinvented, book in (or enquire about) a Wardrobe Overhaul here  (Likewise if you’re not confident shopping for flattering clothes)

*Original source of photos is unknown.  I came across them on Pinterest.  If anyone knows please contact me and I’ll credit it. **To be honest the after photos are a bit dated too now, but they should give you a good idea of how a few changes can make a difference.

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If you bought a pleated skirt (which if you didn’t know, are very fashionable at the moment) in summer and you thought you’d have to pack it away now til next year – it’s not the case at all.

When it was warm you may have worn it with a cami, blouse or tee and sandals, now in autumn and then into winter, try winterfying it by teaming it with a knit, jacket, tights and boots, pumps or brogues.  (If it’s warm enough – or you don’t feel the cold like I do – you can even wear it with bare legs and sneakers)

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Like all things fashion, this style won’t work for everyone, but if you like the look, don’t be afraid to give the pleated skirt a try.  (What have you got to lose!) Some of my clients, who were not completely sold on the idea at first, have been very pleasantly surprised that, with clever styling (on top and on the feet), the right fabric, length and fit (you want it to skim rather than cling over the hips) it has worked beautifully for them and has added an interesting and versatile piece to their wardrobe.  (I’d wear mine to a wedding, to the races, out shopping or to lunch. I’ll try and remember to show you on Instagram.)

This, this and this  are a few of the good ones I’ve seen lately, but I also bought one from ASOS for myself recently.

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A statement skirt…

In an eye-catching color, shape, texture or print.

It could be something you can dress up or down and wear shopping, with your denim jacket and a basket or to the theatre with your heels and sparkly earrings.

All it needs to accompany and showcase it, is some key fresh basics  – a simple sweater, a classic white shirt, a flattering t-shirt or a well fitting simple jacket. (And of course, it goes without saying, a great shoe).

If you don’t have a statement skirt, perhaps consider adding it to your shopping wishlist.

CHALLENGE: If you have a statement skirt, pull it out and see if you can come up with a few ways to wear it differently.  Maybe you’ve only worn it to weddings or to work…see if you can style it in a way that you could wear it casually. (Or at least a less dressy situation)

Style your clothes in different ways, for different occasions and get more wear out them.

*If you’re not playing around with your clothes and coming up with different ways to wear them, remember you can book me in for (or enquire about) an outfit planning session here 

You can read what styling services I offer here

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